Thursday Night Football Recap – Chargers Shock Broncos, 27-20

Ryan Mathews ran for 127 yards and a touchdown, and the San Diego Chargers beat the Broncos, 27-20, in Denver on Thursday night.The upset win kept San Diego (7-7) in the chase for an AFC wild card spot and prevented the Broncos (11-3) from taking another step toward the AFC West title.

Trailing 24-17 late in the fourth quarter, Denver looked capable of marching downfield for the tying score, but Chargers' linebacker Thomas Keiser picked off Peyton Manning at the Broncos' 33 yard-line to set up a 35-yard insurance field goal by Nick Novak with 2:36 to play.

Though Denver drove into San Diego territory on the ensuing possession, the Broncos settled for a 42-yard field goal by Matt Prater. The contest was decided when the Chargers recovered the onside kick that followed.

Manning finished with 289 yards, two touchdowns and an interception on 27-for-41 passing. The Broncos netted only 18 yards rushing on the game.

San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers threw for 166 yards and two scores, both to wide receiver Keenan Allen.